France Magnifique

Embark on your journey through France. Bask in the rich history, art, culture and romance of its celebrated cities and charming towns.
Hotel Name: Le Louis Versailles Chateau - MGallery

Bienvenue en France, and to charming Versailles. Celebrate the beginning of your voyage with a savory French dinner in the culturally rich town of Versailles.
Dinner Included

Admittance: Versailles Palace & Gardens
Feel like royalty during a tour of Versailles' sprawling green gardens and palace halls with a local guide. This legendary palace is truly a work of art – from the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in the palace’s most famous sights.

Start your day with an exploration of the iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO). A guide will lead you through the Private Apartments of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, who transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the resplendent seat of the Royal Court. Continue your visit independently through the lavish State Apartments. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in Versailles’ most famous sights at your own pace. This afternoon your exploration continues in the palace’s grandiose formal gardens, where the Baroque fountains regularly spout water to the tune of classical music.*

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Best Western Plus Le Moderne

Visit Area: Giverny
Claude Monet, the painter who founded the Impressionist school, lived in Giverny, a little spot in Normandy, for 43 years. His house and his garden, the village of Giverny itself, and its surroundings were his subject matter. Half a million visitors from all over the world, as well as painters, come every year, charmed by the unique light of the Seine Valley. The bright, modern Museum of the Impressionists that houses temporary exhibits of Impressionist art is found in Giverney as well.

Journey into Normandy and let the art scene leave its impression on you with a visit to Monet’s countryside home at Giverny.** Stroll through the colorful living work of art that is Monet’s garden, where you’ll see the source for the artist’s inspiration, including the setting for his iconic Waterlilies. Then, set off through the rich pasturelands of Normandy to the city of Caen, your home for the next 2 nights.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Normandy
France's Northern region on the shores of the English Channel has been the venue for important conflicts that have marked French, European, and indeed world history. Events ranging from William the Conqueror's campaign to capture the English throne, the battles of the Hundred Years War, World War I, and D-Day, just to name a few, have all taken place in Normandy. Normandy is also known for its culinary delights. Savor its renowned cheeses and Calvados as well as its rich butter and cream used to make its apple pies and custards.

This morning, the exploration of the D-Day Landing Sites starts with a walk through Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial. See where the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled 100-foot cliffs on D-Day to seize the fortified enemy position. Then, pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery & Visitor Center. See the stars and stripes raised over the graves of the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy and stop at Omaha Beach. Next, make your way to Sainte-Mère-Église, the heart of the American Airborne operations on D-Day, and visit its parachute-shaped Airborne Museum. Learn the unique history of paratroopers in Saint-Mère-Église, the first French town liberated from the Nazis. Then, return to Caen.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Oceania

Admittance: D-Day Landing Sites

This morning, explore the Caen Peace Memorial Museum, which provides a comprehensive history of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war transition. Then, we will visit a local farm. Stroll through their apple orchards and get a taste of their traditional cider. Arromanches-les-Bain awaits with the impressive remains of the artificial Mulberry port built by the Allies to resupply their lines during the liberation of France. After some free time to have lunch on your own, it’s off to Saint-Malo, Brittany’s famous coastal village. Immerse yourself in the beautiful beaches, striking blue water, and views of the fortified Old Town. Tonight, enjoy a freshly prepared local dinner.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Omaha Beach
One of the beach sectors assigned to the American landing forces during the invasion of June 6, 1944. It was here that the U.S. First Division fought the bloodiest engagement on D-Day. Go through the towns that make up the sector: St-Laurent, Colleville and Vierville. Set foot on the beach and reflect on that fateful day and cherish the present peace. The American Military Cemetery stands up on the bluff as a testament to the greatest sacrifice that these Americans have made in the name of freedom.

Travel to Le Mont St. Michel*** (UNESCO), the “Wonder of the West.” Resting on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this world-famous pilgrimage site sits on the edge of the sea and becomes an island at high tide. Take in the breathtaking views as you stroll through the old village at the base of the Abbey before exploring one of the most beautiful monastic complexes in France, dating back to the 11th century. Return to Saint-Malo and enjoy time to relax or explore independently.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Château de Beauvois

Admittance: American Cemetery

Journey south to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO site brimming with châteaux and parks. Arrive in the medieval village of Chinon. Joan of Arc first met young Charles VII here and shared her vision that he would defeat the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Visit the market, abundant with fresh produce, flowers and local products, and take time to enjoy lunch along the banks of the Vienne River. Next, tour a local winery and discover some of the Loire Valley’s best wines. This afternoon, feel like royalty when you arrive at your 15th-century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois. Delve into the history of this site frequented by King Louis XIII as you enjoy some leisure time to explore the grounds or relax on the château’s charming terrace. This evening, delight in gourmet French cuisine in the opulent dining room of your château.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Le Mont St. Michel
Le Mont St. Michel is an island commune in Normandy, France. The island has held strategic defenses since ancient times. Since the 8th century AD, the island has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name. Today it is one of France’s most recognizable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. More than 3 million people visit each year.

Explore the spectacular Château de Chenonceau at your own pace. Perched along the banks of the Cher River, this romantic castle is a jewel of Renaissance architecture. Head to the picturesque center of Amboise. Enjoy some free time for exploring before reaching Tours, where a local expert will introduce you to the town and their local culture.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Hyatt Regency Étoile

Visit Area: Loire Valley
Located in the middle stretch of the Loire River of central France, the Loire Valley is most notable for its historic towns, architecture and wine. The valley has been inhabited since the Middle Paleolithic period. In 2000, UNESCO added the central part of the valley to its list of World Heritage Sites.

Travel the French countryside to France’s capital, the City of Light – Paris. Pause for lunch at a modern bistro, before gliding under romantic bridges during a scenic cruise along the Seine River. Take in the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and Île Saint-Louis peeking at you from the banks of the Seine (UNESCO). As your day comes to a close, make the most of an evening at leisure in this incredibly walkable, world-famous city. Perhaps you will enjoy an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin**** for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: Winery Tour
Visit a local winery to discover some of Europe’s best Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines.

This morning, it’s your choice! Take in the most iconic sights of Paris on a panoramic city tour, seeing the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Place de la Concorde -OR- join a local guide and hop on Le Métro to the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Take advantage of a free afternoon to write your own story in romantic Paris. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your French voyage during an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring French cuisine and panoramic views of the City of Light.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: 2-Night Château Stay
Feel like royalty when you arrive at your 15th century castle accommodations at the Château de Beauvois, and settle in for two nights.

Set out for home with many magnificent memories.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Chenonceau Castle